The Best Baby Bottles
Whenever it comes to feeding a baby, there are instances when bottle feeding is the best option. This can be either with breast milk or formula. Choosing the right one for your child is important when looking for a baby bottle.
Baby bottles come in a different sizes and shapes . In the end, your baby will choose which one he prefers. He will let you know by crying or being happy when he eats from a certain bottle.
Why Bottle Feed?
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, bottle feeding can be a part of your daily routine. There may be ocasions when you need to bottle feed because you are at work or traveling, want some “me time,” or are ill.
If you cannot breastfeed your baby, using a bottle is a great way for others in your family to feed them. This can include dads, older siblings, or grandparents. It is a great way for them to bond with your baby.
What Do You Need to Consider When Selecting Bottles?
When choosing a baby bottle, think about these things:
- What the bottle is made of
There are different types of baby bottles. Most are made from plastic or glass, but some stainless steel ones have recently come out. Because BPA (bisphenol-A), an industrial chemical, may be detrimental to children, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned its use in all infant bottles in 2012. However, you should always verify the materials of any bottle you purchase to ensure it is BPA-free.
- The bottle size
Bottles are available in many sizes to accommodate the amount of food your baby will consume at each feeding. For example, newborns are often fed with smaller bottles because they will eat less during each feeding. You might like to choose various bottles to suit each stage of your baby’s growth, or you could pick a larger bottle and only fill it with as much breast milk or formula as your baby needs.
- Number of bottles
You will need to think about how many bottles to buy. This will depend on how often your baby eats and how often you have time to clean and sterilize the bottles. At the minimum,, you must keep two or three bottles on hand.
- Bottle liners or standard bottles
Some baby bottle brands include disposable, pre-sterilized bottle liners. Breast milk or formula is stored in liners, which are plastic bags. Because you just throw away the liner when your baby has completed feeding, bottle liners make cleanup a breeze. On the other hand, Standard bottles are less expensive and produce less waste.
- Nipple material
Most baby bottle nipples are made of silicone (clear) or latex (brown). Some people are allergic to latex. If you are allergic to latex, your healthcare provider can tell you if you or your baby is allergic.
- Nipple shape
There are different types of nipples. Traditional, orthodontic, wide-based, and flat-top nipples are some examples. Some brands say their nipples are closer to the shape of a mother’s nipple. But in the end, your baby will let you know which one she likes best. She might be happy when she feeds from the nipple or fussy if you try to use it.
- Nipple flow rate
Each bottle comes with a nipple that controls how much milk flows. The flow level is shown by numbers or stages like slow, medium, or fast. The size of the holes in the nipple determines the flow rate. You may have to experiment with different nipples to find the one that works best for your kid.
- Your baby’s preferences
After trying a few different bottles, you will know which bottle and nipple style your baby likes best. It’s a great idea to try out different bottles to determine which one your child prefers.
- Compatibility with breast pumps
If you are breastfeeding and using a breast pump, you might want to use a bottle compatible with your breast pump. Breast milk can be simply pumped into a bottle and stored.
Top 8 Best Baby Bottles
The venting system in these bottles helps prevent your baby from swallowing a lot of air bubbles.
The venting system on this bottle is supposed to help keep the nipple from collapsing. If the nipple collapses often, your baby might get frustrated because you’ll have to stop feeding him to let the nipple pop back out.
The downside of the venting system is that there are more parts to clean. The good news is that it comes with a special cleaning bottle brush.
Brown’s bottles are designed to fit most breast pumps so that you can store your breast milk in a single container.
Pros
Cons
This bottle has nipples that are easy to latch onto for your infant. The nipple’s Airflex vent feature helps prevent air from being swallowed and entering your baby’s stomach.
The bottle’s broad neck makes it easier to fill and clean.
The flexible spiral form of the nipple makes it easy to hold the bottle in place like a natural breast. The bottle’s ergonomic form makes it easy to grip.
Pros
Cons
This bottle has a unique tube and valve system. The air can go down the tube and into the space at the bottom of the bottle. This way, you won’t get any air in your breast milk or formula when you drink it.
This bottle’s soft silicone nipple stretches and flexes to provide your child a more natural breastfeeding experience. Because of the bottle’s smaller size and shape, you and your partner can feed your baby together.
There are six pieces to the tube and valve system. Make sure that you screw the nipples in tightly to the bottles before you start feeding. If you don’t, they might collapse into the bottles.
The venting tube on this bottle changes color if the milk is too hot. But you should still test the milk’s temperature yourself to ensure your baby won’t be burned. Some people put a few drops of milk from the bottle on their wrists.
Pros
Cons
If you are a breastfeeding mother, you can pump your milk and store it in this bottle. After that, you can give your infant the breast milk that you have pumped.
Using these bottles, you can easily determine how much breast milk is in the bottle because they include measurement indications that are easy to see.
Several consumers stated that they were required to adhere to Medela’s cleaning and maintenance guidelines for these bottles, which they did. It is possible that the bottles will become bent or that the measurements on the bottles will fade quickly if this is not done.
All Medela breast pumps can use this bottle.
Pros
Cons
The Comototo bottle and nipple are both made of silicone, which is environmentally friendly. When you do this, the entire bottle becomes softer, giving it the appearance of a real breast.
The dual-air-vent nipples assist in preventing your infant from breathing in too much oxygen. Because of the broad neck opening, it is possible to clean the bottle without the need of a brush. Cleaning the bottles can also be accomplished with the help of a sterilizer.
This bottle is made of a soft silicone substance. It is dishwasher safe. If you don’t like the rougher feel of plastic or glass bottles, this one could be a great alternative to those.
Pros
Cons
This bottle is intended to be used in conjunction with disposable liners. When your baby is nursing, the pre-sterilized liners will help to prevent any undesirable air bubbles from entering his or her digestive tract.
Cleaning is simple – simply discard the liner and sanitize the nipples after use.
Using Naturalatch nipples, according to the manufacturer, your child will have an easier time transitioning from breast to nipple because the shape matches a real nipple.
While it is possible that this bottle will not be compatible with all breast pumps, adapters are available.
The liners are constructed of recyclable plastic that may be disposed of properly.
Pros
Cons
This bottle is equipped with a system that allows air to escape, preventing it from entering your baby’s stomach when she is feeding herself. Unlike other bottles, there are no additional pieces to clean, and the bottle is stain and odor proof.
If the bottle isn’t held in the proper position, the NUK’s distinctive nipple design may leak a small amount. It is also possible that the venting mechanism will generate a small amount of leakage.
If your baby doesn’t appear to like the usual bottle nipple form, you could try the NUK nipple shape, which is a one-of-a-kind design.
Pros
Cons
The venting system for this bottle is located at the bottom of the bottle. As a result, formula or breast milk will not be able to pass via the ventilation system. The nipples are designed to stretch, pump, and move in the same way that real nipples do, just like the real thing. This will make it easier for your newborn to latch on to the correct thing when you are holding him or her.
With a range of breast pumps, this bottle is a versatile option. Breast milk in bottles can be stored and frozen more easily with the help of the accompanying sealing discs.
Designed to be incredibly flexible and imitate the natural nipple of a mother, The Munchkin Latch nipple was designed by Munchkin Latch. As a result, newborns are more likely to latch properly and nursing is less difficult.
Pros
Cons
What Are the Different Kinds of Bottles?
Among the most commonly utilized materials in the production of bottles are glass, plastic, and silicone.
Prior to the invention of plastic, glass bottles were the norm, and they have recently regained popularity as a result of this. While it may seem unusual to offer your kid anything made of glass, the glass used for baby bottles differs from ordinary glass in a number of important ways. Their construction is tempered glass, a harder type of glass that can endure being broken and even dropped.. tempered glass
Plastic bottles are made of polypropylene, which is a strong and long-lasting substance. Plastic baby bottles are the most common and least priced type of baby bottle available on the market today.
These are the most recent arrivals to the market, having debuted in 2012. Silicone is a soft, flexible substance that is free of toxins such as BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Silicone is also non-toxic.
The majority of bottle manufacturers also provide a choice of nipple sizes, each of which has a different milk flow rate.
Newborn and slow flow nipples are the terms used to describe nipples for newborns and younger babies. Because they allow for a more gradual flow of milk or formula, the infant is less likely to gulp down a large amount at once.
The nipples with a faster liquid flow are designed for older babies who have larger swallows and better control over a faster liquid flow.
The majority of bottles are available in two sizes:
Newborns consume less food per feeding than older babies; as a result, smaller bottles, typically weighing around four ounces, are created specifically for them.
Larger bottles, which hold around eight ounces of breast milk or formula, are required for older babies who consume more.
Each feeding, a baby between the ages of six and eight months can consume between six and eight ounces of food each time they are fed. Some parents purchase a combination of smaller and larger bottles, whilst others purchase larger bottles from the beginning and only fill them halfway throughout their baby’s first few months of life, as seen in the chart below.
What are the Best Baby Bottles?
Every type of infant bottle on the market has advantages and disadvantages. (And there are quite a few!) It can be exhausting to compare every little detail, so here are some basic advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding which bottles to add to your baby registry.
Glass Bottles
Pros: Unlike silicone and plastic bottles, glass bottles do not absorb colors or scents. Glass baby bottles are thermally stress-resistant, which means they can go from ice cold to boiling hot without shattering. Glass bottles can go straight into the dishwasher without concern of chemical leaching. Because they have fewer pieces, they’re frequently easier to clean than other types of bottles.
Cons: The weight of glass bottles is a disadvantage. They’re more difficult for you (and your kid) to hold. While it’s not easy to break them, it’s also not impossible. Glass bottles are considerably more expensive than other bottle kinds. Because they’re not as common as plastic baby bottles, there are fewer options.
Plastic bottles
Pros: Plastic bottles are lightweight, won’t break if dropped, and are comfortable to hold for both you and your baby.
Cons: The initial concern about plastic baby bottles stemmed from bisphenol A, sometimes known as BPA, an industrial chemical used to create certain plastics that have the potential to induce adverse health consequences. In 2012, the FDA prohibited BPA from all sippy cups and infant bottles. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the verdict is still out on health and safety concerns about plastics, particularly in children and when heated. Avoid microwaving plastic baby bottles and hand-wash dirty bottles rather than placing them in the dishwasher if you wish to use them. Many plastic bottles have several little pieces that can be difficult to clean.
Silicone Bottles
Pros: Soft and spongy, silicone bottles most closely resemble a woman’s breasts in appearance. This makes them simple to grasp for both you and your baby. They’re unbreakable and don’t contain nearly as many toxins as plastic bottles. Silicone bottles can be washed in the dishwasher and have fewer parts than plastic bottles, making them easier to clean.
Cons: Silicone bottles are among the most expensive, and there aren’t many options (though this is changing). The leaching of chemicals is a worry, even if they don’t carry the same chemicals as plastic bottles. Discoloration and odors can occur over time as they age.
You should also keep in mind that newborns might be rather picky about the bottle they like. Because it’s difficult to predict what your child will like (or not), we recommend adding a starting kit or a sample box to your registry before committing to a certain brand.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Baby Bottle
The following is a comparison of the numerous types of infant bottles.
Standard bottles: Most babies can drink from these bottles because they are designed customarily. They’re available in plastic, glass, and even stainless steel.
Angle-neck bottles: These are bent at the neck to keep air from entering the nipple, which may make feedings smoother and the baby less gassy. However, the angled design makes them more difficult to clean.
Disposable liner bottles have a hard (typically plastic) shell that holds a single milk pouch. The bag collapses as the infant sips, reducing gassiness. These are a nice solution for fast cleanup (because you use and throw each bag), but they’re not exactly eco-friendly.
Wide-neck bottles: These bottles are short and squat, with a broad opening on top — which means a wider nipple, emulating the breastfeeding sensation. A broad neck is ideal for newborns who will be switching from breast to bottle regularly, and it also makes cleaning up easier.
Vented bottles: These include a built-in tube that prevents air pockets from accumulating in the bottle or nipple, which is supposed to help prevent gas. Cleaning these can be difficult due to vents and other unnecessary elements.
Baby Bottle Nipples Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes
Baby bottles normally come with nips, but they can also be purchased separately and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which is particularly handy for newborns who have atypical feeding requirements. Experiment with a few different sizes and shapes of nipples to find the one that is the best fit for your kid.
The bell-shaped, generally latex nipples that come with most baby bottles are traditional.
Orthodontic nipples: These nipples have a bulbous top and a flattened base and are designed to protect a baby’s palate.
Flat-topped nipples: These have a larger base bulb and a flatter top and are shaped more like the breast.
Anti-vacuum nipples: Limit the quantity of air your baby takes in to help reduce colic and gassiness.
Multi-flow nipples: These give multiple-stage flows (for example, Stage 1 and 2) in a single nipple. Control the flow by adjusting the nipple’s location.
Disposable nipples: Sterile, individually wrapped nipples useful for easy cleanup but should be tossed after a single use.
What Baby Bottle Size Do I Require?
In the beginning, it is advisable to start small. For most infants, the smaller bottles with a Stage 1 slow-flow nipple (designed for preemies and newborns) that limits the amount of milk delivered in a single feeding are ideal. Most infants will eat up to 4 ounces in a single feeding.
Babies will advance to Stage 2 nibbles, which have a faster flow rate and larger bottles (8 ounces or larger) as they develop, consuming more milk at fewer feedings. Stage 2 nipples can be tolerated for a long period of time in some children, but if your baby is straining on her nipples by the time she is 6 months old, she may be ready for Stage 3.
Instructions on How to Properly Use Your Baby Bottle
Following a few bottle-feeding recommendations will make things go more smoothly for you and your child:
- When introducing the bottle to a breastfed infant for the first time (ideally after 4 weeks of age, as breastfeeding has become established). It may be beneficial to have a different person — such as your partner — try delivering the bottle to them. If the baby has the option of breastfeeding, they are more likely to reject the bottle.
- Make a point of offering the bottle an hour or two after baby nurses (so that they’re hungry — but not hungry enough to be furious if you know what we mean).
- If you’ve given your bottle a good ol’ college try and your darling pea doesn’t have it, you might want to consider trying something else instead. Babies can be extremely fussy eaters for reasons that are only known to them.
- Cuddle your baby close and chat to them, cooing and cooing. This aids in establishing friendships and the development of communication skills in children. It also offers the additional benefit of lowering stress levels — for both of you.
- Continue to hold your infant slightly elevated in the crook of your arm so that they are not trying to sip while reclining down.
- Never put a bottle of breast milk or formula in the microwave unless absolutely necessary. This can cause damage to breast milk and “hot spots” that can burn your infant if they are exposed to it. Bottle warmers or simply placing the bottle in a mug of hot or warm water for a few minutes will suffice to warm the bottle. If you’re unsure about the warmth of the milk, drip a small amount down your wrist before delivering it to your child.
- Make sure you’re using the proper nipple size for your baby – too little, and your baby will have to work harder. Which may cause them to feel frustrated; too large, and your infant may be gagging and choking.
- Orient the bottle so that your baby swallows less air. Burp your infant once or twice during the feeding session to ensure a smooth feeding experience for everyone involved.
- Maintaining your baby’s upright position for 15 to 30 minutes after feeding will aid in reducing spit-up.
- If your baby is sleeping with a bottle, don’t allow them to take the bottle by itself or prop the bottle up for them to take it by themselves. These habits, while easy, can increase the likelihood of dental decay and ear infections occurring.
- Maintain the cleanliness of your bottles, nipples, and all other parts. Everything should be cleaned with hot soapy water and bottle brushes. The need to disinfect bottles after each usage isn’t really necessary. However, it is recommended to do so regularly. Babies have underdeveloped immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection than adults in many cases.
- If your infant appears to be finished with the bottle, don’t force them to finish it. It is beneficial for babies to recognize and respond to their hunger cues. If you’re concerned that your child isn’t getting enough nutrition, consult with your pediatrician right away.
- If your infant appears to be colicky, try the following:
- feeding intervals can be adjusted as needed
- lowering the amount of food provided in a single feeding session
- Have a discussion with your pediatrician about changing formulas
- by touching the back of your baby’s tummy with your arm
- Try swaddling or rocking your baby to see if it makes them more comfortable.
Conclusions
During the first year of your child’s life, you will almost certainly spend a large amount of time feeding them. Regardless of your baby’s feeding approach, you may find yourself needing to give them a bottle at some point in the future (or around the clock).
Several babies are initially averse to bottles, while others have gas, spitting, and colic symptoms as a result of the procedure. In this situation, having the best bottle for your child’s needs can make the procedure easier and more comfortable for both of you, especially if you are nursing your child.
Learn more: Bottle Feeding – Advantages and Disadvantages
Frequently Asked Questions about Bottle For Baby
Bottle-feeding could make your baby’s immune system weaker. Formula-fed babies are also more likely to acquire infections such as the chest, ear, urine, or diarrhea.
Phillips Avent Natural bottles are well-liked for a variety of reasons. They’re inexpensive, easy to clean, and many babies have little trouble switching from bottle to breast milk. These bottles include a breast-shaped nipple that is exceptionally flexible, allowing your child to bounce back and forth between the two.
It’s a rule of thumb to make sure the bottle you pick doesn’t contain BPA. Bottle shapes are generally tall and straight, angled (bent at the neck), or wide (designed to hold wide, short nipples that mimic a breast). Bottles come in small (4 oz) or large (8 oz).
Newborn babies are usually fed 10-14 times a day. As they get older, they’ll feed less often. If you’re bottle-feeding your baby, you’ll need around 4-6 bottles and teats.
Many breastfed babies refuse a bottle when their mother returns to work or study. This is because they are adjusting to the new environment. It is also common for adults to feel less hungry when starting a new job.
Glass infant bottles are better for the environment than plastic bottles. They are also easier to clean and do not contain toxins that could leak into your baby’s formula.
Some babies can take in extra air during feedings if they have a slow-flow nipple. This can cause them to have gas later on. To help avoid this, try using a more vented nipple that will allow more air to escape. Also, make sure your baby has a good latch when bottle feeding so they don’t suck in extra air.
According to a trusted source at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no specific type of soap should be used to clean baby bottles. On the other hand, some parents choose not to use scented dish washes or soaps that include harsh substances.
To clean baby bottles and plates, you may also use soap. Designed expressly for this purpose, such Dapple is certified clean and free of phthalates, paraben, sulfates, synthetic perfumes, and colors, among other things.
Bottles should be cleaned thoroughly after each feeding with soap and water to prevent the growth of bacteria in the bottle.
If the bottle splits or chips, it should be replaced. Nipples should also be replaced if cracked, ripped, or discolored. If they begin to wear thin or become sticky, this is an indication that they are deteriorating.
A baby bottle, nursing bottle, or feeding bottle is a bottle with a teat (sometimes known as a nipple in the United States) attached to the top opening, which can be suckled and directly drank from.
Babies rarely give up their bottles easy, which is one of the reasons why so many toddlers use them well beyond the recommended 12-month period. However, as convenient and mess-free as bottles are, there are compelling reasons to quit drinking before the age of one.
PopYum Bottle is the best baby bottle for formula. By the time the baby is six months old, 49% of mothers are formula-feeding.
